Seven acts were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, the largest number since 2004. This year's honorees include many artists who have been overlooked in past years. Artists become eligible for the Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their debut album, and votes are cast by previous inductees and members of the music industry. Stevie Nicks, Def Leppard and Roxy Music appeared on the ballot for the first time this year, while the rest of the entrants were selected after being passed over in previous votes.

Stevie Nicks was already elected to the Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Now honored as a solo artist, this makes her the first woman to enter the Hall of Fame twice. She kicked off this year's ceremony with a performance of 'Stand Back', later delivering an acceptance speech in which she encouraged female musicians to have the confidence to strike out on their own: "What I am doing is opening up the door for other women."

After three turns on the ballot, Janet Jackson was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Introduced by Janelle Monae, who described her as a "bold visionary, a rule-breaker, a risk taker, and a boundless visual artist", Jackson called in her speech for the Hall of Fame to include more women.

Jackson thanked her fans on Twitter:

Your baby sister has made it in.✨Thank u to each and every fan. You’ve been with me every step of the way. 💜 #RockHall2019 pic.twitter.com/coYfcRHyFq

— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) March 31, 2019

The Cure were also elected into the Hall of Fame. After a passionate introduction from Trent Reznor, Robert Smith delivered a brief acceptance speech, thanking their fans and supporters. Fans on social media widely shared a humorous red carpet interview with Robert Smith, which was retweeted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

What can we say? It was Friday and we were in love 🖤 @CarrieKeagan & @thecure #rockhall2019 https://t.co/6vjspnihUC

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) March 31, 2019

David Byrne delivered the introduction speech for Radiohead, commending them for their musical innovation. With Thom Yorke, Jonny and Colin Greenwood all not in attendance, only two out of five members of Radiohead made the ceremony. Drummer Phil Selway and guitarist Ed O’Brien accepted the award on behalf of the group.

Brian Eno and Paul Thompson were also not in attendance for the induction of Roxy Music. After being praised by Simon Le Bon and John Taylor from Duran Duran, Bryan Ferry, Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay and Eddie Jobson took to the stage to graciously accept the award. They performed hit songs 'In Every Dream Home A Heartache', 'Out Of The Blue' and 'Love Is The Drug' as part of the ceremony.

The Zombies also performed, playing a set including ‘Time of the Season’ 'This Will Be Our Year', and  'She’s Not There'. Another long awaited induction, the surviving members of the band savoured the moment, with Rod Argent, Colin Blunstone, Chris White and Hugh Grundy all taking a turn in their acceptance speech.

Def Leppard were the final act of the night. Following their acceptance, they played a selection of their hits, before inviting some of the night's other honorees to join them on stage for a rendition of 'All The Young Dudes' to close the night out.